Getting back on your feet after leaving a job that drained you emotionally, mentally, and psychologically isn’t easy.
And no, you don’t have to be ashamed of anything; remember, your job doesn’t define you as a person. Quitting a toxic job was the right call if you want to preserve your psychological and mental health.
Unlike previous generations, today’s employees value their mental health and want to work in a place with a healthy work culture. According to a study last year by MIT’s Sloan School of Management – a toxic work environment is the primary reason employees leave their jobs.
To help you recover from working in a toxic job, here are some tips so you can regain your confidence.
Give Yourself Time to Recover.
Deciding to leave an abusive job isn’t easy, especially if it was your primary source of income.
But before you look for new employment, give yourself time to rest and find closure first. Doing so will help you recover your strength and move on from your toxic job better.
At this time, try to do things that make you happy, such as hobbies, going on a trip with your loved ones, or exercising. These will help take your mind off of your loss and make you feel like yourself again.
Another activity that can help you recover from a toxic job is mourning your loss and finding closure. Like ending a relationship, you can’t move on unless you’ve come to terms with what happened.
Some ways to do this are writing a “resignation” letter that you couldn’t send and archiving or deleting all your files from your previous company.
Learn to Recognize and Appreciate Yourself Once Again.
Working for an abusive boss or company can leave you feeling inadequate. Thus, after quitting your toxic job, actively do things to rebuild your self-confidence and self-worth.
One way to do this is by sitting down and reflecting on your current strengths and accomplishments from your previous job. Not only will it help boost your confidence, but it can also help update your resume.
Never Forget Why You Left Your Previous Employer.
The best way to prevent a repeat of your toxic job is by being on the lookout for red when you apply for a new one.
Was it because it was so difficult to communicate with your team at your previous job? Or perhaps, your last boss didn’t respect your boundaries and expected you to be online 24/7?
Knowing what made your previous job so toxic can help you spot red flags in prospective jobs so you know which ones to avoid. They can also help you ask the right at interviews.
Decide Whether You Should Remain in Contact With Your Old Co-workers or Not.
One possible upside of your old toxic job is the opportunity to meet some wonderful co-workers. These co-workers may have helped make your job more bearable, for a time at least. They could also have provided you with valuable lessons and insights in your field.
Now that you’ve left the company, you should ask yourself is: “Should I keep in touch with my previous co-workers?” If they’re your friends outside the workplace, why not, right? They may even help you find new work opportunities as well.
However, keeping in contact with them can also trigger bad memories and prevent you from moving on. Some of them could even be part of why you resigned in the first place, so think carefully.
Establish Your Support Network.
You don’t have to face your troubles alone. It helps to have others around who can help you.
Surround yourself with friends and mentors that can help you recover from your toxic job -while taking the next step forward. With the right crowd, you can get back on your feet and find a new job faster.
The Road to Recovery Starts With Letting Go.
Recovering from your toxic job can be a challenging and lengthy process. However, by following the tips mentioned above, you will have an easier time getting your career back on track.
If you’re looking for legit online jobs that can help you take back control of your life, Remote Staff is here to help. One of our primary values is “get the balance right.” This includes not just the well-being of our in-house staff, but also our remote contractors.
We strive to assist our clients and remote contractors in forming a lasting and harmonious working relationship that also supports a healthy work-life balance.
Our jobs list also contains a wide range of positions for you to choose from, so you’ll never run out of options.
Good luck!